Mayo receives largest gift ever from living person
The Mayo Clinic has announced it has received the largest gift ever by a living person.
Long-time Mayo patient and Iowa philanthropist Richard Jacobson has contributed $100 million to help establish the clinic's Proton Beam Cancer Therapy Program.
The program will include new facilities in Rochester and Phoenix. It'll feature an innovative cancer treatment called pencil beam scanning. As the name implies, it's a more precise form of proton therapy that allows for greater control over radiation doses, shorter treatment times and fewer side effects than conventional radiation therapy.
Jacobson, an Iowa native, said after years of trying to find the best way to offer this gift to Mayo, the proton cancer project was a perfect fit.
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"I worked very hard, I've been very fortunate, I made a lot of money, and I have no family. I've always wanted to do something for Mayo Clinic," he said. "And I spent many years trying to find a project that would be a good fit for Mayo, and a good fit for myself."
Mayo President and CEO John Noseworthy described the gift as magnificent.
"Mr. Jacobson's awe-inspiring generosity will benefit patients from all walks of life. Our new facility will be a long-lasting legacy to honor his magnificent gift," he said.
The Rochester building will be named in Jacobson's honor.
Online: Mayo Clinic